Edgelit Light Fixture Transmissive Component to Reduce Input Hotspotting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Edge-lit lighting systems face challenges in achieving efficient optical coupling from the light source to the waveguide, leading to light loss and non-uniform visual appearance due to 'hotspotting' or 'headlamping' along the edges of the waveguides, which is difficult to control and results in low efficacy and non-uniform visual appearance.
Innovation Solution
The use of novel edge-lit optical elements that function as diffusers and direct throughput lenses, combined with a light scattering extension portion, to improve brightness uniformity and reduce hotspotting, while maintaining a shallow depth and extended emitting area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional edge-lit waveguide systems are used, then thin form factor and adjustable lighting output are achieved, but optical coupling efficiency is poor resulting in 10% to 30% light loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical coupling component as an intermediary element between the LED light source and the waveguide. This component includes a light-transmissive body with a first surface that receives light from the LED and a second surface that couples light into the waveguide, thereby improving optical coupling efficiency and reducing light loss while managing the complexity of the coupling process.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional waveguide systems are used, then thin form factor is achieved, but uniformity of brightness and color is poor due to hotspotting or headlamping along the edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating a light scattering layer within the optical coupling component that selectively scatters light in specific regions to eliminate hotspotting and headlamping effects. The scattering layer is positioned and configured to address local brightness non-uniformities along the waveguide edges while maintaining the overall thin form factor and simple structure.
3Ease of operation
If conventional waveguide systems are used, then adjustable lighting output is achieved, but control of light distributions is difficult resulting in non-uniform visual appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The optical coupling component serves as a mediator that simplifies light distribution control while ensuring uniform visual appearance. The component's design with specific refractive indices and geometric configurations enables easy adjustment of lighting output without the complexity of additional control mechanisms, while the light scattering layer ensures uniform light distribution along the waveguide.
4Productivity
If narrow width light fixtures are manufactured, then compact size is achieved, but efficacy is low and visual appearance is non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing the refractive indices of the optical coupling component and waveguide materials, as well as adjusting the geometric parameters of the coupling interface. These parameter optimizations enable narrow width light fixtures to achieve high luminous efficacy while maintaining uniform visual appearance through improved optical coupling and light distribution.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances light output and uniformity, reduces hotspotting, and improves the visual appearance of edge-lit fixtures by optimizing light distribution and reducing the need for bezels, thereby increasing luminous efficacy and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element comprising a light transmissive material having a refractive index greater than the surrounding ambient environment
Implementation Method 2
novel edge-lit optical elements that functions simultaneously as a diffuser and direct throughput lens
Implementation Method 3
the optical element input face is inset from the outer perimeter of the optical element output face
Data Source
AI summary
A optically transmissive component is configured within a light fixture to provide benefits in brightness uniformity and visual appearance with the use of a light scattering extension portion that provides light scattering of light emitted from near an input edge of a light guide or other edgelit optical element. The sequential propagation of light through both the extension portion and main portion of the optically transmissive component significantly reduces the higher brightness and uneven “hotspotting” type visual defects typically produced near the input edge of an edgelit optical system. With appearance constraints removed or reduced, edgelit light fixtures with higher output, higher efficacy, and/or simplified edgelit optical components are enabled. Embodiments include the use of the extension portion of the optically transmissive component extension to mechanically position and retain an edgelit optical element within a light fixture.